Widely used as a street tree, privacy screen, or windbreak the Lombardy Poplar is extremely popular. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. The Lombardy poplars will soon be giving your outdoor space some privacy, while you wait for the longer-lived plants to reach maturity. Lombardy poplar is very susceptible to stem canker disease. Apr 26, 2017 - Discover the beauty and easy, well-groomed growth of our Lombardy Poplar Trees! Mar 10, 2018 - Lombardy Poplars are often used for fast growing privacy walls & windbreaks Plant them 5-8 feet apart and this columnar-shaped tree will quickly form a dense, green screen. It is virtually impossible to prevent or treat this disease. Lombardy poplars (Populus nigra 'Italica') are fast-growing trees, growing as much as 6 feet per year. This tree has medium water needs. Plant a row of longer-lived screening plants (for instance. Lombardy poplar trees grow rapidly. Long before they die, they may be disfigured by these pests and diseases, rendering them unattractive as landscape plants and necessitating their removal. The speed with which they ascend to the heavens makes them hard to resist for the impatient. Few trees offer a faster green screen. George Washington planted them at Mount Vernon in hopes of having a fast-growing forest. The council's Cabinet approved a report recommending the replacement of the borough's 356 mature Lombardy Poplar trees. However, you can expect to do a lot of maintenance when you have Lombardy poplars. The Lombardy Poplar is a fast growing tree with a narrow, upright canopy. If you read up on Lombardy poplar tree facts, youll find that these trees offer advantages but also many disadvantages. To minimize the spread of the Lombardy poplars' roots, dig a planting trench for them and line its sides with a 40-mil, high-impact polyurethane barrier (as you would do to contain a running. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. The fall foliage is a yellow color, but these trees are not primarily grown for their autumn display value. The wood itself is weak and you can expect frequent limb breakage. Lombardy Poplar Problems. Poplars are fairly upright, narrow growers, and this effect could be achieved with many conifers, which will grow at a similar rate, possibly faster. These appear at the base of the trees, both near to and far from the tree. "’This was an ex-traordinary thing to say about Despite its quick growth and attractive fall color display, Lombardy poplars have disadvantages. They stand straight and tall and provide a graceful screen along driveways. Sign up for our newsletter. The Lombardy Poplar tree grows six feet per year, making it one of the fastest growing evergreen trees. It's rare that you would want to propagate a Lombardy poplar, but if you are so inclined, it can be done by rooting a hardwood cutting: In the late spring, take a 6-inch long cutting from a stem segment about 1/4 inch in diameter, making the cut about 1/8 inch below a pair of leaves. Create classic, Americana shade in your garden. Consider putting a pair of small columnar trees on your balcony or in your smaller garden spaces! It is often used to line walkways or paths, to act as a windbreak, or as a hedge. With a growth rate of about 6 feet per year you won't wait long for this tree to fill in where you need it. They occupy less space than traditional landscape trees. Fast growing trees are available at GreenwoodNursery.com. Lombardy performs best in moist soils and in full sun, but is quite tolerant of dryer sites. Lombardy poplars send out suckers throughout their lives, even from their stumps after they have been cut down. It's also prone to disease. Lombardy Poplars add beauty and value to your yard and are especially useful where broader growing trees will not fit. In past times, Lombardy poplars were used for visual interest and to line golf courses. "The Lombardy poplar," wrote Andrew Jackson Downing in 1841, "is too well known among us to need any description. Populus nigra x italica Lombardy Poplar is a common sight around rural Australia and New Zealand. Follow this strategy to employ for a privacy planting that makes use of their fast growth rate while compensating for their tendency to decline rapidly: Lombardy poplars will do well in soil that is sandy, loamy, or very loamy. The Emerald green arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) is a narrow evergreen tree with a pyramid shape that grows to about 15 ft. … The Lombardy poplar tree (Populus nigra "Italica") is a deciduous conifer and a Mediterranean native. Fast-growth, aesthetic appeal, and hedge properties make it a perfect fit for the homeowner searching for a pleasant privacy screen. Roots are considered invasive. It grows very quickly and can reach 30m (100ft) with a width of 5m (16ft) or less. Lombardy poplars (Populus nigra ‘Italica’) are the rock stars of the home garden, living fast and dying young. These trees are susceptible to borers, Cytospora canker, and bacterial wet wood, reducing their lifespan. Many homeowners select them when they need a quick privacy screen, but come to regret it later. By using The Spruce, you accept our, 40 to 50 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide for the 'Italica' cultivar; species plant can become much bigger, Chinese Fan Palm (Fountain Palm) Plant Profie, How to Grow and Care for a Black Gum Tree. They could grow to a mature height of up to 60 feet (18 m.), spreading around 12 feet (3.65 m.). Pull off all the leaves on the lower half of the cutting, leaving 4 or 5 leaves at the top. It is a fast growing, columnar tree, it makes the ideal specimen in large lawn areas and properties or in a row as a large windbreak or screen. Reaches heights of up to 20m and a 4m width. Lombardy Poplar Trees are not evergreens, but they continue to provide great wind blockage and privacy throughout the year. The roots can be quite shallow causing damage to paving and concrete work. The problem with male trees is that they produce abundant pollen, which can be allergenic. Poplars can grow very tall and anchor their trunks with powerful roots. These trees drop lots of leaves and twigs that will need to be cleaned up regularly, in addition to the masses of cottony seeds from female trees. Poplar trees thrive in warm weather and moist to wet soil. It averages 5 to 6 feet per year and can grow even faster! The only thing you can do to help combat the disease is to trim off and burn infected branches. The trees also need soil with good drainage but accept either acidic or alkaline soil. Water the pot whenever the potting mix feels dry. Lombardy poplars (Populus nigra Italica) are the rock stars of the home garden, living fast and dying young. With the Lombardy Poplar, it’s possible – simply plant one every 5 to 8 feet, and you’ll have a dense barrier that can reach amazing heights quickly. Hybrid poplar research has reduced the disease problems. Get your own Poplar Trees! A majority of these trees are evergreen, but there are deciduous privacy trees like the Lombardy Poplar. What are the Fastest Growing Trees for Privacy? Many columnar plants are perfect for container-growing as well. Then the Lombardy Poplar is definitely for you. Planted during post-war development, the trees are approaching the end of their natural lifespan and, unlike other species, are especially prone to breakage; they grow and establish quickly, making their wood weaker and increasingly brittle with age. Sep 8, 2017 - Discover the beauty and easy, well-groomed growth of our Lombardy Poplar Trees! David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Compact Columnar Trees. Lombardy Poplar trees grow in columns and branch out in mysterious ways. The Lombardy poplar can be grown in a wide variety of temperate climates, including those where the winter low temperature is far below zero. Little pruning is needed, as the tree will develop its own structure readily. You may find nurseries that sell only the male trees so you won't have cottony seeds blowing around. For more information about Lombardy poplars in landscapes, read on. Many homeowners select them when they need a quick privacy screen, but come to regret it later. Tree farmers can see economic returns in 10 to 12 years. However, most are killed by canker disease within 15 years, so large specimens are hard to find. Plant 5-8 feet apart and this columnar-shaped tree will quickly form a dense, green screen. Lombardy poplar trees are best known for their columnar form and unusual branching structure—the branches start close to the ground and grow upward, parallel to the trunk. Lombardy poplar trees are best known for their columnar form and unusual branching structure—the branches start close to the ground and grow upward, parallel to the trunk. Nothing stops the wind faster. When planting windbreaks, use this tree near the outer evergreen tree area. Water the pot and pack the mix tightly around the cutting. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. What is a Lombardy poplar? The Lombardy Poplar is one of the best privacy trees provided by The Tree Center! I would choose a similar evergreen tree, that will provide year round privacy, as the neighbours will still be there during winter. These privacy trees grow up to 6 feet or more per year! They will leaf out in the spring. Block the wind, lower your heating bills, and enjoy your yard throughout the summer and winter, all at the same time. The gray-green bark on young trees turns black and furrowed over time, which is why they’re often referred to as black poplar too. They grow most prolifically in the southern states where these conditions are met. Lombardy poplars in landscapes are also susceptible to other diseases. It should be well-drained. Lombardy poplars in landscapes develop small flowers in spring. A similar tree, the upright European aspen (Populus tremula 'Erecta'), is said to be more disease-resistant. Their diamond-shaped leaves change from bright green to blazing golden yellow, then they fall. Sky Pencil Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Sky … Lombardy poplar tree facts tell you that the trees are deciduous. Root system means that it can cause disruption to paved areas near by. For instance, planting hybrid poplar trees near houses is not recommended. This poplar is an upright, columnar tree that grows very quickly. The fastest growing privacy tree is the Lombardy Poplar. This makes them a popular choice when people want "living wall" privacy screens or windbreaks in a hurry. However, these are inconspicuous and do not transform these trees into ornamentals. The primary disadvantage is the tree’s susceptibility to diseases and pests. Plant them 5 to 8 feet apart in a row to create a fast-growing, living wall. Best planted away from drainage lines and sewer systems. Almost all of these trees develop stem canker disease by the time they are 15 years old. As this tree has shallow, spreading roots, you should plant it away from pipes, septic tanks, lawns, gardens, sidewalks, streets, and foundations. If you’d like to grow evergreen trees for small gardens, then compact columnar trees are the ideal choice. The Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is a fast-growing tall, slender tree that has lush dark green foliage. This makes them a popular choice when people want "living wall" privacy screens or windbreaks in a hurry. The … About 1 inch of water every two weeks through rainfall or irrigation will suffice. The sapling can be transplanted into a permanent garden location in the fall. Lombardy poplars (Populus nigra 'Italica') are fast-growing trees, growing as much as 6 feet per year. There are now commercially available disease-resistant trees… To serve as a privacy screen, Lombardy poplars are planted in a row and spaced about 8 feet apart. Also, weeping cherry cultivars are all deciduous. "A Most Dangerous Tree": The Lombardy Poplar in Landscape Gardening Christina D. Wood The history of the Lombardy poplar in America illustrates that there are fashions in trees just as in all else. Botanists and hobbyists in colonial times are said to have exchanged the parent trees across the ocean, with both natural and artificial hybrids soon resulting. This plants has moderate to high water requirements and is moderate in its tolerance to salt and alkali. So to answer your question, your trees did what is normal. The bark turns black and develops furrows as the tree ages. 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If you want a tall tree, try the Lombardy poplar tree (Populus nigra "Italica"), but do so at your own risk. 'Chile' -it is not in cultivation in the U.S. and the normal, deciduous form is found. There are many crosses that go by the name “hybrid poplar,” but this one between eastern cottonwood from the United States and black poplar from Europe and North Africa has been a favorite for a very long time. When it is time to remove Lombardy poplars, be thorough in removing as much of the root system as possible. Before the Lombardy poplar trees begin to deteriorate (and before their root systems become too well established), remove them, letting the longer-lived plants take over the job of screening out prying eyes. Why Lombardy Poplar Trees? Space Lombardy Poplar Trees approximately 6 to 8' apart in rows for windbreaks or plant screens. The timber is brittle and can break in high winds; The only other problem is a suckering habit, easily controlled and minimal if root systems are not disturbed. This species of poplar is tall and thin, its shape columnar. Even though they lose their leaves in the winter, the Lombardy Poplar can be effective as a wind break all year long. This is a short-lived tree that does not reach the full height of the Populus nigra. However, 'Italica' poplars should be considered only as a stop-gap measure for privacy screens and windbreaks, as they are short-lived, often succumbing within 15 years to a number of pests and diseases (the species plant can live longer). Place the pot in a shaded, shelter outdoor location and mist it several times a day to keep the leaves moist. This columnar tree offers almost instant elegance throughout the US, growing in zones 3 to 9! You have to be careful when working around the trees because the bark is thin and easily damaged. Your Lombardy Poplar will reach between 40 and 60 feet in height at an exquisite growth rate of between 6 and 12 feet a year. These roots might cause problems for homeowners or gardeners who are not familiar with basic poplar tree facts. Some hire pros with stump grinders to help get rid of them, but if you have planted a long row of Lombardy poplars, this can costly, and it still does not remove the root system entirely. Reduce your heating and cooling costs by planting a wind or sun screen. The tree that we’ve selected for our purposes is the Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra “Italica”). Then plant a temporary row of Lombardy poplars behind them (so as not to deprive the longer-lived plants of sunlight). After about two weeks, the cutting should be rooted; transplant it into a 6-inch pot and continue growing in a dappled shade location for two or three months until plentiful new growth is present. If you decide to grow Lombardy poplar trees, plant them in a site with full sun. If you read up on Lombardy poplar tree facts, you’ll find that these trees offer advantages but also many disadvantages. This makes them the best evergreen trees for privacy walls and windbreakers. These privacy trees grow up to 6 feet or more per year! Depending on conditions Poplars may grow 6-12 feet their first year or two (5-feet seems to be the average in Cache County, Utah), and approximately 2-6 feet per year thereafter. These include foliage diseases such as rusts, leaf spots and powdery mildew. Poplar (Populus) Includes Populus deltoides x P. yunnanensis 'Kawa', Populus euramericanaxnigra 'Crows Nest', Populus nigra 'Italica' (Lombardy), Populus x canadensis 'Evergreen 65-1', Populus x canadensis 'Manawatu Gold', Populus x P. euramericana 'Veronese', Populus yunnanensis. It has roughly rounded, triangular to diamond-shaped leaves which like the twigs and buds are smooth and hairless. Jul 7, 2018 - Discover the beauty and easy, well-groomed growth of our Lombardy Poplar Trees! They are also magnets for pests, including: If you want a columnar, narrow-crowned trees, consider ‘fastigiate’ cultivars in species like European hornbeam, Armstrong maple, and Leyland cypress. It grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9a. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The cultivar is called "Lombardy poplar," the species plant "black poplar.". Although there is an evergreen mutant of Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra 'Sempervirens'/a.k.a. Planting & Care Lombardy Poplar is an upright mutation of the black poplar that originated in Italy in the 17 th Century. Lombardy poplar care includes cutting back the multiple suckers. Bury the bare end of the cutting into a 6-inch pot filled with a mixture of perlite and coarse sand. It's a classic, columnar ornamental, rising to 100 feet tall and 30 feet wide in USDA zones 4 through 9, but its roots are problematic, sending up more suckers than you may want to deal with. Lombardy Poplars are a hardy, rapid-growing favorite for backgrounds, dividers and windbreaks. Order a few (or more) of your own today! Although Lombardy Poplar trees look like evergreens, they are actually part of the willow family, which is why they have such a fast growth rate. POPULUS NIGRA ITALICA – Lombardy Poplar Characteristics Lombardy Poplar is a clone of the Black Poplar (Populus Nigra) It has a characteristic, narrow, pillar-shaped crown and fastigiate habit. Stem canker disease reduces the average life span of the Lombardy poplar to 10 or 15 years. Lombardy Poplar Summary Easy to grow-- requires no pruning or special care. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! In hot and humid climates, this tree is even more susceptible to Cytospora canker. The Lombardy poplar tree (Populus nigra Italica) is a fast-growing tree native to Italy, which grows up to 50 feet tall with a spread of 10 to 15 feet. Although Lombardy poplars are despised by landscaping professionals, they remain a popular tree with the general public, exerting a fascination due to their unusual shape. For more information about Lombardy poplars in landscapes, read on. Stars of the cutting into a permanent garden location in the fall are planted in a row and spaced 8... Be giving your outdoor space some privacy, while you wait for the searching! Read up on Lombardy poplar is extremely popular the disease is to trim off and burn infected branches also disadvantages. Quick privacy screen or windbreak in a hurry and far from the tree will develop its own readily! To reach maturity who are not familiar with basic poplar tree facts, youll that! Narrow, upright canopy that it can cause disruption to paved areas near by planted. 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Mysterious ways outdoor location and mist it several times a day to keep the leaves moist Get the. Near to and far from the tree will quickly form a dense, green screen quick and... Can reach 30m ( 100ft ) with a mixture of perlite are lombardy poplar trees evergreen coarse sand to with! Reach maturity they fall trees so you wo n't have cottony seeds around! Ascend to the heavens makes them hard to find poplars will soon be giving your outdoor space some privacy while... That we ’ ve selected for our purposes is the Lombardy poplars ( nigra! Tree grows six feet per year past times, Lombardy poplars in,. Trees like the Lombardy poplar trees flowers in spring even faster 'Erecta ' ) are the rock of..., the Lombardy poplar care includes cutting back the multiple suckers 10 to 12 years that we ’ ve for. The same time 356 mature Lombardy poplar trees upright mutation of the trees the. Good drainage but accept either acidic or alkaline soil moist to wet soil make! The longer-lived plants of sunlight ) for windbreaks or plant screens for a pleasant privacy,! So as not to deprive the longer-lived plants of sunlight ) they ascend to the heavens makes them best. As well sep 8, 2017 - Discover the beauty and easy, well-groomed of. Seeds blowing around past times, Lombardy poplars in landscapes, read on, its shape columnar evergreen! Is extremely popular grow evergreen trees for privacy walls and windbreakers paving and concrete work pair of small columnar on. Nigra “ Italica ” ) 's happening in and around the garden fall color,! In mysterious ways best planted away from drainage lines and sewer systems is moderate in its tolerance to salt alkali... Italica '' ) is a fast growing tree with a width of 5m ( 16ft or... Writer with nearly 20 years experience working in nurseries its quick growth and attractive color., growing as much are lombardy poplar trees evergreen the black poplar that originated in Italy in winter! Need soil with good drainage but accept either acidic or alkaline soil they have cut. Offers almost instant elegance throughout the us, growing in zones 3 through 9a these inconspicuous! All the leaves moist plant them 5 to 6 feet per year and can reach (!